5th Generation Shoemaker
The Sartorialist features a quick illustration of “(The Original) John Lobb, London.” Check out the relentless authenticity of this place. First off, William Lobb is a 5th generation shoemaker in London. What’s that, 150+ years of shoemaking? Above the front door there are coats of arms. An example of the caption below one:
BY APPOINTMENT TO
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCE OF WALES
BOOTMAKER
Then there’s Frank Sinatra’s boot last amongst Lobb’s huge collection of lasts. THEN, there’s the outrageously cool leather-bound sales records, stacked to the ceiling on engraved, dark wooden shelves.
In an era of faux finishes and a paucity of historical significance, it’s fascinating to see such an authentic, focused place still in business.